This pig-faced monster in Scarecrow: The Reaping ride has crowds squealing in terror

With so much attention to detail, I manage to walk right through the Overlook Hotel without hiding behind the person ahead of me. Though I must confess, when the iconic “Here’s Johnny” moment happens, I fall to the floor.

You soon realise it’s impossible to keep your cool. Even the most stern-looking muscle giants could be seen screaming in terror.

The creative team at Universal has gone to great lengths to recreate every sight, smell and sound of The Shining in a psychological maze that attacks all your senses.

Scarecrow: The Reaping is an original concept maze that takes you through an abandoned maze in 1920s America. The catch is that you are joined by an army of zombie scarecrows which wants to harvest your soul.

And if you think you will be safe outside the haunted mazes, you’re wrong. A number of “scare zones” keep the screams coming at a relentless pace.

For its 27th year, Universal Orlando’s Halloween Horror Nights has brought back some iconic series

This year’s The Purge scare zone replicates the hit movie’s idea that the US government allows one night when all crimes are legal, leading to havoc on the streets. Bars dotted streets. around the park remain open all night and I cannot stress how important it is to take every opportunity to use the loo.

Many rides stay open throughout the Horror Nights, such as The Revenge Of The Mummy, an indoor rollercoaster full of intense special effects and fast-fastpaced twists and turns.

By now I’ve lost my voice from screaming and am convinced the ride really is haunted by a mummy’s ghost.

The event runs into the early hours and when you make it back to your hotel, you are going to want a good night’s sleep.

There are five on-site hotels and a sixth on the way — enough to suit every budget.